Peter Lehmann

Peter Lehmann is one of those Barossa names that earns its reputation without ceremony. Founded in 1959 by Peter Lehmann himself — a winemaker who'd already spent years learning the valley's rhythms — the winery built its following on honest wines at fair prices. That philosophy hasn't shifted much over the decades. Even after Treasury Wine Estates acquired the business in 2007, the winemaking approach has remained grounded in the Barossa's strengths rather than chasing trends.

The cellar door sits on Tanunda's main strip, which makes it easy to find and easy to pair with everything else the town has to offer. It's spacious, unhurried, and genuinely welcoming — the kind of place where you can take your time without feeling like you're holding anyone up.

The Wines

Shiraz is where Peter Lehmann does its clearest work. The Barossa Valley's warm, dry continental climate — hot days drawing out full ripeness, cool nights preserving structure — produces Shiraz with depth and consistency, and Peter Lehmann's range reflects that well. It's also considered strong value for money relative to comparable Barossa Shiraz, which is worth knowing before you arrive.

Beyond Shiraz, you'll find Cabernet Sauvignon and a selection of blends in the tasting lineup, along with Riesling sourced from cooler microclimates within the broader region. The range stays focused on Barossa classics rather than spreading across every variety under the sun.

Cellar Door Experience

Tastings follow a straightforward flight format — typically four to six wines from the current releases. Pours are generous and staff take the time to explain what's in the glass without being patronising, which makes the cellar door genuinely accessible for visitors who are new to wine as well as those with more experience.

Walk-ins are welcome for individuals and small groups. If you're arriving with ten or more people, it's worth calling ahead. A tasting fee may apply, but it's often waived when you make a purchase.

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious — families are comfortable here, as are solo visitors or couples just passing through Tanunda for the day.

Food and Dining

The cellar door keeps food simple. Light bites and platters are sometimes available, but there's no formal restaurant on-site. In good weather, there's outdoor space where you're welcome to bring your own picnic. For a proper sit-down meal, Tanunda's restaurants and cafés are close enough to walk to, so it's easy to build a visit around lunch before or after your tasting.

The Vineyard

Peter Lehmann draws on a mix of estate-owned fruit and contracted growers across the Barossa Valley. The region's deep red soils hold water well, which supports vine health through the long, hot growing season. The rolling vineyard landscape is characteristic of the broader Barossa — open, sun-exposed country that accumulates heat steadily through summer and into autumn harvest.

Getting There

Tanunda sits approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, roughly an hour's drive via the Barossa Valley Way or the Sturt Highway. Driving is the practical option — public transport to the Barossa is limited. The cellar door is on the main strip through town, and parking is easy. On-street parking directly outside handles most days without difficulty, and the town lot nearby covers any overflow. The streets are caravan-friendly too, so there's no need to worry if you're travelling in a larger vehicle.

Visitor Tips

• Visit on a weekday morning if you'd prefer a quieter, more relaxed tasting experience.
• April through October is the most comfortable time to visit, with mild temperatures in the 15–25°C range. Summer heat regularly exceeds 35°C and can make cellar door visits less enjoyable.
• Harvest season (February–March) brings energy to the valley and occasional events, though it falls in the hotter months. The Vintage Festival in October is a livelier time to visit without the heat.
• Ask questions at the cellar door — staff are patient and informative, and there's no pressure to have prior knowledge.
• Combine your visit with lunch at one of Tanunda's nearby cafés or restaurants to make a full afternoon of it.